Canon Auto Focus Explained with Canon Technical Advisor Rudy Winston

[@BehindTheShot]

There have been a number of questions about some of the features and terminology on newer Canon bodies, like the R3 or R6 II for example. Recently, “worldrider” here on KZbin asked the following question, pasted below in full, which I passed on to Rudy. Rudy’s very detailed answer follows the question. “ Great vid, dude! First time viewer as I just picked up a new R6 Mark II - and there are several differences-some in nomenclature such as AF Area vs AF Method. Also, there is no Face Detect + Tracking on the Mkll-so I'm confused. Rudy says the eye detection only kicks in when this is selected. So, how or when is eye detection operable on the Mk Il? Oh, and I should note that on the Mk Il for there is an "Auto" option for Subject To Detect. Also, on your R5, I see only two options, One Shot and Servo. The Mk Il also has Al Focus. What's that do? Then, instead of those Zone AF options your R5 has on the Mk Il, we've got what is called "Flexible Zones." Have you seen this? Finally, I don't see Continuous AF on my menu, but I have Preview AF, and I'm wondering if the name changed, as Rudy clearly pointed out the wording was terrible. Again, thanks. I will have to watch your back button operation again as I didn't quite follow it in the first go-round, but it sounds interesting- though it seems like a lot to keep track of in a fast shooting environment? That is, if your shutter half-press doesn't lock focus in, you have to use your thumb to focus? Thanks again for such an in depth look at Canon's focusing system and set up!” I answered his back button AF question inline with the original question, and proving again how awesome Rudy is, here’s his answer: “AF TRACKING WITH EOS R6 Mark II: Canon made a fundamental shift in AF operation, beginning with the introduction of the EOS R3 camera (launched in 2021). With this camera, the ability to select ANY AF Area, even a single AF point, still allowed the subject-recognition and tracking capabilities to be active. Thus, you no longer have to be in “Face Detect + Tracking” AF Area (AF Method) to have the system be able to move AF points to follow a detected subject around the frame. R6 II gives several Menu settings to modify this behavior, depending on the user’s preferences and the situation he or she is currently in… it’s entirely plausible that a user might opt to take advantage of Tracking - the ability to follow a subject around the frame, changing AF point location as the subject or camera moves - in some situations. Likewise, there might be times the same user would prefer to turn the clock back and simply select an AF point, move it to a specific location, and not have it drift away or move to “track” a given subject. These Menu settings are on Screen #1, in the R6 II AF Menu: Whole area tracking Servo AF Even if the user has selected just one AF point (or any AF Area), will the camera simply use that area at whatever location in the frame the photographer has placed it? Or do you want to initially grab a subject with a user-defined AF Area (and location in the frame), and from there, have the camera be able to keep AF upon that subject, even if it moves around the frame? Old-school users will usually prefer to leave this off, but that does remove a lot of the newer technology from the camera’s operation. With first-generation EOS R5/R6, this basically happened if you selected “Face Detect + Tracking.” Now, you can still select the entire available screen area to focus upon (now called Whole Area AF), or any other available AF Area, and still have tracking active and ready to kick-in if you want. Subject to detect Two points here: first, for old-timers who just want the camera to act like their EOS 5D (or whatever) did, turn this to NONE. Now, the EOS R6 II is not devoting resources to looking around the frame to potentially locate an identifiable subject, even if you’ve opted for the “precision” of a small, single AF point. Also: the new “AUTO” option here, for users who do want to take advantage of this remarkable AF capability, does simplify the general task of “what do I focus upon?” in most situations. However, actual reaction speed and response may be better - assuming the user does want Tracking capability, to follow something if the camera or subject moves - if a known subject type is specifically chosen here. Switching tracked subjects This doesn’t exactly answer the viewer’s question, but if a user DOES tell the system to track a subject, it defines how readily will the AF system leave that subject, and grab onto something else now in the viewfinder? Users who want the camera to do its best to stick with an initial subject (example - a bird in flight, that may be joined by other birds entering the frame) should turn this to the “-1” or Initial Priority setting. Or vice-versa. AI Focus AF This actually isn’t new, although it’s true that higher-end models usually haven’t had this. AI Focus AF basically automates the process of selecting either One-Shot AF (locking focus upon a stationary subject) or Servo AF (continuously updating AF, to consistently keep sharpness upon a moving subject). Camera reads the scene, and seamlessly selects either One-Shot AF or Servo AF; the primary indication the user will get in AI Focus AF is that if the system has selected One-Shot (in other words, no movement detected, or movement has stopped), the identifying AF Area is green; with Servo AF, the viewfinder/LCD screen shows blue AF point(s). Flexible Zone AF The Zone AF settings were explained in the video we did, if memory serves. With original EOS R5 and R6, the size of the zone was fixed - users could move it around the frame, and expect AF to attempt to put sharpness upon the nearest detailed subject within the confines of that Zone. Starting with the EOS R3, and now even with entry-level cameras like the EOS R50, you instead have three different Flexible Zone AF options. With these, users can select almost ANY size and square/rectangular shape for a zone, and still be able to position it almost anywhere within the frame. Once any Flexible Zone AF setting has been picked - it doesn’t matter if it’s #1, 2 or 3 - pressing the RATE button, and then turning either the top-mounted Main Dial, or the rear Quick Control Dial, will alter the size/shape of the zone. Flexible Zone AF continues to use the “Zone AF” concept of focusing upon whatever’s nearest in the zone (or, if a detectable subject is identified within the zone, to jump to that instead for focus), so it’s a potentially very useful way to put AF over a larger area when it’s desirable. Preview AF As the viewer notes, this is an update to the wording for this function, previously called “Continuous AF.” Either way, it’s especially useful in unmanned or remote situations - beginning with the now-ubiquitous use of a mirrorless camera for things like Zoom or MS Teams meetings, telling Servo AF to be continuously ready for changes in subject-to-lens distances, without a user’s finger being on a camera button to separately activate AF. The function itself hasn’t changed. Finally, while I’m sure you separately clarified the back-button AF question for the viewer, his assessment is correct - you are activating/de-activating AF via a separate, rear button of your choice, via the user’s thumb.” Hope this clarifies some things for some of you, and thank you, Rudy!

[@germanshepherdmom5411]

Rudy is a legend! I wish there weren’t as many interruptions when he was trying to answer a question.

[@BehindTheShot]

Yes he is, Rudy is THE best. Thanks for watching. Sometimes trying to keep a conversation moving, for time, backfires, and here was one. My apologies.

[@germanshepherdmom5411]

@@BehindTheShot no worries, I’m sure it’s not easy doing a show, thanks for a great one!

[@StanleyKubick1]

It's hard with timing over zoom

[@BehindTheShot]

That’s a huge part of it. Sometimes there’s no lag, sometimes a ton, and that change from the start to the end. You think you get the timing and then step on each other later. Ugh. For this show however there were a lot of thing at play. Rudy had a hard out time. I needed to be sure to get through it all in time. But sometimes you’re talking about X and time isn’t in your mind, so I needed to moderate more and keep it moving. Part of the issue was also some behind the scenes limits. Back then I had very limited space for my podcast feed, and two video shows a month, also in audio only, used it all. So if this went too long I literally wouldn’t be about to put it in the feed. KZbin isn’t a space issue, but feeds were. That issue no longer exists, I have a ton of space now. So yeah, this was a challenge on time, space, and remote connection.

[@kirkkennedycreative2762]

Agreed, his should let the Professional speak.

[@timputt7701]

I own an R6 and take wildlife / motorsports as a hobby and usually seek out experts preferred settings as a starting point for mine with a few tweaks to get what I want. This is the first informative session I have ever seen that truly explains (in clear terms I can understand and follow) that now gives me knowledge to make my own judgements to set my camera up as I need it. A truly exceptional session, Steve and Rudy are to be congratulated - many thanks guys, just a brilliant video

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you Tim for such kind comments. So glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@Sparty12161]

You can't go wrong having Rudy on to give a 'down to earth' overview of the AF system. Thanks, Steve, now following!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks!

[@finnritslev4559]

This is one of the best in-depth explanation of the Canon Mirrorless AF settings that I have seen so far. Worth seeing multiple times. And Rudy knows what he's talking abount.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Finn! I appreciate your time watching.

[@BethuneBeverly]

Worth seeing multiple times. And Rudy knows what he's talking abount.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ayfj4572]

After watching about 20 videos this is the best explanation of 'Initial Servo AF point for face tracking' on page 5 that I have seen. I believe most KZbin guys gloss over this setting because they actually don't understand it. Thank you Rudy for clearing up a 5-year question that has never been adequately answered until now.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you so much for watching, and for such kind comments. So very glad you got something from it that helped you. 🤘🏻😎👍🏻

[@mck24601]

I have learned so much from listening to Rudy over the years. He knows is stuff and articulates it so well.

[@BehindTheShot]

He was so fun, and kind with his time.

[@michaeltuffin8147]

Rudy is one of the nicest guys you can meet.

[@BehindTheShot]

He’s amazing! I’ve known him for years, but just “met” him for the first time in person at Imaging USA in January.

[@michaeltuffin8147]

Yeah, ,I've bumped into him at a few events. @@BehindTheShot

[@hippodackl1521]

The full story of how the Canon works in the background unfolds with every word from Rudy. Together with the great host this is a phantastic video.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you so much.

[@Ravox83]

This specific podcast should be mandatory for all Canon users.. they should include the link for this podcast in the box, Rudy is amazing such a knowledgeable guy and the way he explains everything is perfect.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks, Rafael! So glad you enjoyed it.

[@adjake1]

can't wait to rewatch this again and again...this is by far the most useful info I've seen on how to photograph anything.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Andrew. That means a ton. So glad it helps. Helped me too!

[@PaulKretz]

38:15 *I don't know if I'm the only one to uncover this* ... But hear why that's a killer feature! I haven't found it in *ANY* camera with DPAF, besides *70D* (tried 90D, R, RP, R6, 250D, etc...). It works in 100D, but Hybrid AF is nothing close to DPAF. So, if you change the shutter button function to metering only (in Custom Functions) and turn Continuous AF on, *the camera will keep tracking even with 2\10sec timer countdown* ! Any other camera freezes AF when you start the timer even with Continuous AF turned on! But 70D continues to track spot, area or face, which is so useful for selfies and family portraits! You simply set up a camera on a tripod, leave shutter button for metering only, flip screen aside (so you could see yourself), set the timer and press the shutter button all the way down. Then go in front of the lens and you will have 2\10 seconds to create your composition (controlling on a flipped screen) while having AF constantly tracking your face! No idea if that's a bug or a feature, but no other camera with DPAF does it. Which is sad. Please, let Rudy convey this to engineers! We need a continuous AF tracking while the timer is going down! Or I'll have to re-buy my long sold 70D for selfies exclusively, LOL 😃 P.S. The video is absolutely fantastic and Rudy is always brilliant! Thank you!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and I’ll pass that on to Rudy.

[@howardholtzman1331]

Thank you for the great video. I own an R5 and you and Rudy helped me tweak my auto focus. Everyone needs to listen to this video from the beginning to end.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Howard! So glad it helped.

[@jaystuart6976]

In all of the years I have been on KZbin, I have never watched an almost 2 hour video in its entirety.... I did today... great content

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Jay! Really appreciate you taking the time to watch. It was planned as an hour, hahaha. But Rudy knows so much.

[@jaystuart6976]

@@BehindTheShot yes he does... just got my first real camera, m50 mk II so, many options don't apply.... one day....

[@BehindTheShot]

True, but a good amount either will, or will at least help to understand how the system is working - even if you can’t control some of it. Understanding it, I’m my opinion, helps a ton. Thanks again!

[@tanweercaa]

Rudy is simply OUTSTANDING.

[@BehindTheShot]

He really is one of the smartest people I know.

[@bridgetdowney6524]

Absolutely LOVE the understandability of this episode. It so clearly explained what each button actually does! Can't tell you how valuable this is to one who doesn't speak tech.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Bridget, that was the goal. Really appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@DavidRecht]

Rudy is really great at this. Not just running through menus and a quick explanation but also relating the settings to real life situations (Steve did this too!). Excellent episode.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks David!

[@jancurran3492]

Getting back to photography after a several year hiatus. Traded in my 1D MkII N for an R5. This video was an excellent primer on new AF functionality and a great refresher on some of what I use to know. Thanks to both you and Rudy for all the great information!

[@BehindTheShot]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@OldGirlPhotography]

Absolutely fantastic. Thanks for doing this Steve and thanks to Rudy for the easy to understand explanations. I work at a camera store and literally the same day as watching this, I was able to provide some meaningful help to a customer who had questions about autofocus on the R series. I've also updated my own R5 settings - can't wait to try them out.

[@BehindTheShot]

That's so awesome that it helped in the store! Thank you for sharing that.

[@conorcahill3110]

I’m a brand new camera user, got the R100. Even though not many features are available to me, this certainly made my learning of auto focus and manual focus a lot easier. Thank you both for the crystal clear information!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you for watching. And yes, while the R100 will be different, with some of the features we talked about missing and some with different names, the key is the concepts. The basic idea of how AF works is the same across brands. So, if you ever change cameras you’ll have a head start.

[@errollwaller8436]

A great watch guys,it works really well when the jargon is explained in simple terms for us users.One thing Rudy said about learning things in stages and taking the time to understand the learning in each stage, was that it does remove the confusion of trying to learn everything to quick and too soon.I do a lot of bird photography and took shots in stages using different settings on servo different settings on tracking and focusing points.Then doing comparisons of the shots which teach me what I am doing right and what I am doing wrong.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and yes. That was one of my fave bits from Rudy, and there were many. Thanks for sharing your experiments!

[@lesgreenwood2223]

Just bought my Canon R5 about six months ago. Love this camera. This show gave me some great clarity on my focusing system. Thanks for doing this you guys were great!!❤

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, Les! So glad you enjoyed it.

[@lkaufman719]

An incredibly valuable episode. I always listen to your podcasts while driving, but I watched the entire episode with my R5 in hand and finally understand the AF cases. I also completely agree with your spot metering linking to the focus point critique. Thanks very much for doing this and keep up the good work.

[@BehindTheShot]

First of all, thanks for the continued support, very much appreciated. So glad you enjoyed this one, and great idea doing it with the R5 I hand. The spot meter being locked to the center is just stupid on Canon’s part. I tried to gloss over quickly, as it’s not anything Rudy has control over, but it was nice of him to say he’d mention it again to the powers that be.

[@creightonholub]

I've had a R6 for over a year and I just re-programmed mine, because the wording was without context. Thank you for getting Rudy to explain everything. The * bit toward the end led to me doing a deep dive giving me 2 very different AF modes that will help me and my team provide way better images for my company's clients.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and glad it helped.

[@lisasimpson9343]

Thank you so much Rudy, I have a 5D Mk4 and a 7D mk2 and I struggled with the servo at fast paced horse events, cattle and horses, now I know why, wrong case. I shall try case 4. Thank you once again.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hi Lisa! Thanks so much for watching, and I’m glad you enjoyed it - and that it helped. I’ll pass the wonderful feedback on to Rudy as well.

[@7424lyon]

I listened, re-listened, tried the various settings, re-listened, and absorbed lot of good information. THANK You

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Richard! Glad it helpful.

[@JoCat05]

Awesome and very informative. I will take a good portion of this and apply it to my 5D IV. I have had the pleasure of being present at another presentation by Mr. Winston and he never disappoints. Thank you both for your insight.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Joe!

[@gunyo77yt]

I keep hearing Ray Romano. Thank you for this extremely helpful video. I'm on my third time through, this time watching as I've listened twice while driving.

[@basilbcf]

LOL! Now that you mention it - if you close your eyes and just listen he really does sound like Ray.

[@dannydanquah3681]

Rudy is like a walking encyclopedia of digital cameras and lenses.

[@BehindTheShot]

Honestly, there were times I figured he’d have some reference material… nope. It’s all in his head. He can do that for 25 years worth of cameras!

[@revotievom]

Excellent video! So great of Mr Winston to take the time to do this!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching!

[@Bob-L42]

I’m a technical person and I absolutely enjoyed this video! Thank you Thank you Thank you both so much for the deep dive into Canon’s AF system. Loved it!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you Bob, both for watching and the feedback. Much appreciated. Have a great week.

[@sandraelliott5427]

Thank you for having Rudy on to explain so many things on the camera. It was very informative and better than going back and forth through the manual which doesn’t explain everything.

[@BehindTheShot]

Glad you liked to Sandra, and thank you for watching.

[@davidemery2270]

Rudy Winston, I first came across him when the EOS R was launched, and he was heading some intro vlogs into the camera. These convinced me to move from DSLR to mirrorless. I could listen his explanations all day long. Thanks for sharing this feature, I shall bookmark this too should I ever afford to upgrade to EOS R5

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching David!

[@leespurling9249]

This is insanely useful. I'm a hobbyist photographer been shooting with older gear for 10+ years, so this is all new to me. Now reviewing upgrade options to Canon's latest offerings before getting some hands on demos. Huge thanks to both you and Rudy. Subscribed.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, Lee. Glad it helped.

[@John-gh5nn]

Thank you, finally I have found out the difference between AI Servo AF and Continuous AF I have been confused by it until now. I watch a lot of Rudy Winston’s videos he explains things so clear and precise and is a true gent & Canon professional.

[@BehindTheShot]

Glad it helped!

[@utube3020]

The best video on KZbin about canon system. I cannot thank you enough.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks so much. Appreciate your time watching.

[@JimBailey]

The best video I have watched in a long long time. I have the R5 and you answered about 95% of all my questions. Thank you for having Rudy as your guest speaker, he is fantastic and super knowledgeable.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hi Jim, Thanks for watching, and I’m glad you enjoyed it and that it was helpful. Let me know what the 5% we missed was, and perhaps we can try to answer them here.

[@danielson_9211]

On the last question what I have been doing as a birder is dual back button af, button 1 spot focus and * eye af, that way if it starts to focus on a branch or lose eye just tap the af button on the subject, then hit * to go back to eye af, its super-fast.

[@BehindTheShot]

Great way to mix them!

[@peterb.7437]

Thank you so much for doing this interview with Mr. Winston I watch and trust him. And for this deeper detailed explanation. Awesome. Saving this video for future references.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Peter, so glad you enjoyed it.

[@er_mukeshpatel]

Just Amazing Intersection with Measters. I am wildlife photographer just acquired Canon EOS R7 and with this session I learned a lot about canon menus and meanings of those.. Really appreciate your efforts to bring Rudy to answer.. no one better than him can do this.. Truly Impressed. Thanks and keep doing great work. 👍🏻👏👏👏💐

[@BehindTheShot]

So glad it helped, and thanks for watching, Mukesh.

[@dewarner12]

This interview with Rudy Winston was well done, and really helpful. Although I have watched many KZbin videos about setting up the R5 and read everything I could find, I was able to learn alot about the settings, and make a number of changes on both my R5's. Thanks so much.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Dudley, and for the feedback. Glad it helped.

[@TheseStars]

Found you. Now love you. The information in this video is priceless. I'm rewatching it today and most likely again and again, until it sinks in and I can manage myself up a shot I can be proud of out of my 5D MIII.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching!

[@NatureWatcher2022]

Brilliant video. Thank you so much, both of you. I use a simplified version of back button focus as, being in my mid seventies, there is no way I can do away with the normal use of the shutter button as it is so deeply etched into my neural pathways! I therefore leave it on its default setting but set the AF-ON button to Eye Detection. When I am out birding I press the shutter button half way to focus roughly on the bird and then hit the AF-ON button to switch to eye detection. I keep my finger on this button to maintain the eye detect mode and, when I'm happy, I press the shutter button fully and bingo - picture taken with the eye sharply in focus.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching David. That method makes sense, and when a system is embedded in your mind for years it can be tough to change.

[@MolotoMan]

Thank you very much for the interview! Nobody never tells so detailed and knowledgeable about Canon's autofocus. Invaluable information. Great!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching!

[@Yannis_Larios]

This has been an EXCELLENT video! Actually the best I have seen related on the AF settings of Canon R5/R6. Kudos and thank you very much

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Yannis!

[@bodinian]

I love how he explains these functions so well. Moving from an M50 Mark II to an R6 gave me a lot to learn about these menu options that didn't exist on my previous camera.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Joseph. And yes, that was exactly my goal in asking Rudy to be on the show. These menu options can be, for some people, critical in getting the most out of a modern auto focus system.

[@leespurling9249]

Would love to see a follow up video from you with live in-camera demonstrations of each of the AF modes and cases. I now understand the theory but would love a feel for how each works in practice. Great work!

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Lee, Yeah, I originally considered adding B-Roll to demo all of that, but I just didn’t have the time. I doubt I will revisit it until there are some major new bodies or features released. Hopefully next time I approach it a bit differently.

[@philstone5376]

Brilliant video. Found it while researching my R5 purchase and watched it three times while waiting for the camera to arrive. Now I have the R5 I watched the video again. I learned so much from this. Thank you!

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Phil, Thanks for watching (a lot), and for the feedback. Very much appreciated.

[@stevebathophotography]

This was seriously one of the best & most informative videos I’ve watched on photography. Thank you both for this.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you for watching. So glad you enjoyed it.

[@MichaelGaskin]

Wow! Rudy is awesome, thanks for having him on your channel.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Michael. Thanks for watching, and yes - Rudy is THE best!

[@trevor9934]

Really excellent review of the focus characteristics and controls. Huge respect for Rudy and thanks to you for setting this up.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you Trevor! Means a lot that you take the time to watch, and appreciate your feedback.

[@colinweir5807]

Thanks for asking about the single point size on mirrorless cameras. Rudy's answer explained a lot for me also. Coming from a EOS 7D to an EOS R6ii is a huge learning curve. 🐯

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Colin, Yeah, it still throws me off when I see the size. Thanks for watching!

[@thescouser8629]

Just found your podcasts and this one is a great start. Bought R5 recently and set up the camera based on a number of pros. This video provides an additional level of insight which is not available elsewhere. Thanks and really enjoying your work.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you! I very much appreciate you taking the time to watch, and to comment. Hoping you enjoy the more “normal” shows as well. Assuming you like the R5?

[@thescouser8629]

@@BehindTheShot Very much so. Although My interest is wildlife photography I find the issues from different genres translate well. The challenges of concert photography with moving subjects, variable lighting, autofocus etc are the same as I encounter. You learn a lot from how the pros deal with them. Also good to have the honesty about times when they failed.

[@thescouser8629]

@@BehindTheShot So far so good with the R5. Still exploring the AF hence my interest with the Rudi interview. Takes time to stop tracking the animal to maintain focus and let the camera track the eye while you recompose. I have the dual back button set-up and it works well. Have achieved some unexpected sharp flight shots which have surprised me. The speed of focusing is very good. Ergonomics are good, stabilisation is allowing speeds down to 1/5th sec, sensor size and quality result in good images. Winter has limited opportunities but spring is coming and the coming months are going to be fun.

[@BehindTheShot]

Agree on all counts. It’s part of why I do the show. I rarely interview someone from my genre, and learn the most from hearing how others view their subject matter.

[@davidrichter4989]

What an exceptional interview. The first watching already has given me a better understanding of all that is there for the user. I know I will gain more insight with additional viewings. My mind is blown.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey David, Thanks for watching, and for the kind words. So glad it helped.

[@pillarpaul]

Wow! Fantastic episode, Steve. Will be used as a "reference book" for a long time by me. BTW, I share Marty's question of birds on branches getting lost by the eye detection AF. I find I have to switch to the standard AF method (no eye detection) if I can't get the eye detection to work. Fortunately the dual back-button system makes this easy.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Pillarpaul. Appreciate you watching, and the feedback. Yes! Dual back-button focus changed my life, hahaha.

[@jayocotube6483]

This video is PHENOMENAL! Great job, Steve and thank you to Rudy for being a wonderful resource!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Jay!

[@svatostraka]

Like doesn't even describe this episode. Love it! Thank you for bringing this, I thought that I knew enough about Canon's autofocus... boy was I wrong!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you Svatoslav. Very kind of you to say. Thanks for watching!

[@jvusa]

Excellent, Thank you so much for bringing Rudy and explain all the settings in detail, and lot of practical QA's, and sharing your settings, it helps a lot.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Jayalal!

[@robbiecresswell7996]

Rudy Winston is the man. Excellent vid. Informative on some more of the details on the menu. I also was confused on the "Continuous AF" The "Switching Tracked Subjects" makes sense too.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Robbie!

[@TLeppur]

Thank you. THE best AF for Canon video and I have watched many! Made some adjustments to my current setup and very happy. Only one that explains and not just prescribes. Excellent for letting you do what you want and then you know what you have and can make changes if needed.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks so much for the kind comment, Kurt. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@bradleyjohnson452]

This has been awesome. I wish this had come out 10 years ago for the 5DM3

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, Bradley!

[@michaelaldridge4536]

I’ve just recently purchased r6ii and a newbie to Canon Architecture. The Q and A with Rudy was spot on! I hope that you shall have more in-depth guess in the near future.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, Michael. Glad it helped. I have talked to Rudy about doing some other shows, and hope we can work that out.

[@TheRealBarkinMadd]

Brilliant session! Rudy is a real gem. Thanks so much for this.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank You for watching!

[@davidburris3500]

I've been an EOS R owner since its release and recently added the R5. Just a few days ago I was experimenting with the R5 to get a better grasp on its operation, particularly the autofocus. This presentation has been immensely helpful in analyzing some of the focus issues I was having. Thanks for taking the time to do this! I will probably watch again after some time experimenting with what I've learned so far. This begs the question, "Why are these features not more thoroughly explained in the manual?" Another area that would be helpful is a more detailed explanation of the button and dial customization functions. More specifically, what functions are push and hold, versus toggles or cycling through modes. Since getting the R5, I'm working through how customizations and a better understanding of the focus system can help improve both workflow and adapting quickly to conditions for a better "hit" rate. Thanks again!

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey David, Thanks a ton for watching, and glad it helped. Interesting idea on the button / dial customizations. As the manual being insanely under explained, I can only guess that it’s repeated to how manuals are created. The only people that truly understand the options are the engineers that created them. They can explain each to people, and then those people need to convert that to user understandable text. I’m just assuming they don’t know how, or don’t want, to explain these complex things in plain language.

[@deanhohn777]

Thank you both for such a wonderful and informative program!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you for watching!

[@danc3746]

This was fantastic! I have had my R5 and R6 for about a year now and this has helped explain so much. There are MANY vids on YT that discuss these AF menus, but this vid is the best.

[@BehindTheShot]

Awesome. So glad it helped, Dan. Thanks for watching, and the kind thoughts!

[@johnambler3107]

I’ve just found your excellent channel Steve and subscribed. This was the best video I’ve seen on Canon’s autofocus system and I’ll be watching it over and over to get the best out of my 5Dmk 4

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching John, and for the kind words. I’m so glad it helped.

[@lindaashby4304]

I am a long time (decades!) Canon shooter, and I am expecting delivery of an R5 and a couple of lenses on Canon's Test Drive promotion in the UK, in about 20 minutes time! I have been trying to swat up on settings to use and the new features over my 7Dii. This video is amazing, it is the best thing I could have watched. I have a much better understanding now of what the AF system can do. Not going to claim that means I'll get the set up right for my test drive, because there's so much to know, but I will have an idea of where to start, what I could be doing wrong, and I will come back this to fine tune. I no longer "don't know what I don't know", if that makes sense. And isn't Rudy such a lovely man. A really, really great video. Thank you so much for making it.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hi Linda, So exciting to getting the trial gear! You’ll love it, I would guess. So glad that this helped, and thank you for watching and sharing your. And yes, Rudy is the man. Super nice guy, knowledgeable as heck, and shares that freely.

[@lilherman2793]

Very informative! Thank you for doing this. My question - Why can't you just set the asterisk button to face tracking in the first place, instead of using the info button? I have mine set to People eye focus, without changing anything in the info settings and it works fine. I use the focus point selection button (to the right of the asterisk) to rotate between spot, expanded and Face tracking, the AF-on button meters and focuses with whatever mode is selected, then the asterisk uses people eye focus no matter what the other 2 are set for. Not sure what advantage the settings in the Info button provide?

[@BehindTheShot]

Hi Lil, The answer is you can, but that you have to cycle between them as you describe. When shooting action, like a concert, I don't have time for that. A singer may pick up with Eye on the * for half a song - and then not work mid sentence because of a shadow or light change. I only need Expanded and Eye, so I sent need to switch. Hit a button and the camera instantly does what I want. I am often tracking someone in Servo and switching buttons often mid track. So really it's just speed. Hit button A and it sets the Servo mode I want and the AF type all at once, like a preset. Thanks for watching!

[@BehindTheShot]

@@Tegneaufreak That’s exactly what I do, and what I described in the show. Dual back-button AF with AF-ON for AF point based focus, and * for Eye and Face. I don’t ever switch between server and single shot during a shoot.

[@lilherman2793]

@@BehindTheShot This is also what I do, and what I was trying to describe above. The * button always focuses on the eye, regardless of what the Af-On is set to - the Focus point selection button can change modes, but those modes only change when the Af-On is selected - this does not effect the * button at all. I did not need to use the info button to set the * button to eye focus - I did that in the customize buttons menu. However, on a FB group I follow, someone suggested the method in the video makes the eye focus hold onto they eye better. So I tried it - seemed to be slightly better so I stuck with it.

[@LindaMaier360]

Excellent show! Reinforced a few things I'm doing correctly, and learned a few things that I'll be testing out. I had bbf set up nearly the same as you, but learned I needed to change a setting there too. Thank you for all you do, Steve, and thanks for taking the time, Rudy!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Linda! Appreciate your time watching.

[@mandofan2616]

Rudy is literally the voice of Canon, synonymous

[@cooloox]

To the person asking about metering from the AF point - use face+tracking and the camera always meters from the AF point. This is the point most useful for most subjects, especially moving subjects. Not only does it meter off the AF point, but the AF point tracks your subject around the frame.

[@BehindTheShot]

In some cases that will work, but many times it won’t. Being able to select a specific point and spot meter off of it is very useful in many situations. That’s always been an issue however, as only the 1 series had a spot meter follow the chosen AF point.

[@SamW604]

Excellent video. I just wish the host would not cut the guest off mid sentence so often. This occurred too many times IMHO and was more often than not, unhelpful.

[@BehindTheShot]

Appreciate the input, thanks. Unfortunately, I have to also manage time for a variety of reasons. One of which, in this case, was keeping a pace to gett through the content we wanted to get through before the guest had a hard out time he had to be at a company meeting. The more common one being that my episodes are usually closer to 45 min to an hour. This is also a podcast in both video and audio only, and I have a fixed amount podcast hosting space. When shows go longer than 60 min I often am up against file space constraints. Either way, sorry that bothers you and I will try to do better.

[@SamW604]

@@BehindTheShot I was unaware of your space /time constraints. While unfortunate, it sounds like you did not have many options other than to interrupt Rudy. Still an excellent video that will help a lot of people for years to come. Thank you.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you. It's a balancing act really. I approach the shows not so much an interview as a conversation - although the "normal" shows I refer to as interviewing a photograph. While I am the host, and someone is the guest, there is always a moderator role too. Conversations, and interviews, often drift or lag. Some guests are more succinct than others. Part of my job is to try to keep steer the conversation towards info I need to get in, and keep it moving. It would seem at times too much perhaps, and I can always improve. I do actually very much appreciate the feedback and your time Sam. Enjoy your weekend!

[@mck24601]

@@SamW604 Photography rules to live by: Shoot Raw, zoom with your feel, never interrupt Rudy Winston

[@robertbohnaker9898]

Thank you Rudy and host. This demystifies the cases operations to me. This sells me on Canon with its tremendous usability. Canon give Rudy a Raise !

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Robert, and yes… Rudy deserves a raise!

[@Serffaaab22]

Thanks for this great interview, Howie! Great to see you on KZbin!

[@BehindTheShot]

Shhhh. I’m trying to stay incognito. Hahaha. Thanks for watching.

[@ArvindNandanCreation]

This was one of the best that’s available anywhere! You both speak so well and with great knowledge. Thank you very much.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you so much, Arvind! And thank you for watching.

[@dstg62]

Great talk guys thank you Rudy and "Behind The Shot"...I really enjoyed the auto focusing portion..

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, David!

[@terrydonofrio8103]

I am watching this in April 2023 wrt my R7 and R6 Mk2 - still very helpful AF presentation for those cameras as well - the in-depth look at AF by Steve and Rudy was excellent - I subscribed so hopefully I will pick up channel - good info for me as sports and wildlife photographer transition from 1DX MK2 7DMk2 and 5D3 to mirrorless …..

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and so happy it still helped with the newer bodies!

[@daquiksta]

Found this video almost by mistake and what amazing insights about Canon Autofocus system. Really enjoyed my time and learnt a lot about my R6. Thanks and greetings from France !

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and really glad that you enjoyed it.

[@barrabas1962]

Really enjoyed the depth of conversation on the menu items and explanation behind them. Well worth the long episode. Just what I needed for my R5 use.

[@BehindTheShot]

So glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@chucksohm7213]

OMG! Sure glad I stumbled onto this video. Rudy solved all my questions on AF settings for my new R5/R6 cameras. Explanations were so clear and understandable. Thank you both. (Dear Canon, don't let Rudy retire until I am done shooting.)

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Chuck! Thanks for watching, and so glad it helped. Rudy is the best!

[@nancyross2897]

This tutorial was absolutely incredible…. I’ve been fumbling with my R6 AF settings for months - thank u 🙏🏼

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Nancy! So glad that it helped.

[@AndiusTeijgeler]

Thanks, highly clarifying! Even for a user of the Canon R3. The menu of the R3 has even more possibilities and maybe even too many, so I do take the advice to start simple and not too tailored and detailed.

[@BehindTheShot]

Yeah, I agree. That was the most simple tip, and yet the most important. Build on your settings to get only what you need. Thanks!

[@AMGOSUK]

I am a Nikon/Hasselblad shooter but am happy to learn about other systems, 'cause folk just keep asking how can I do this on their gear and Canon Af has had me stumped. Your vid is the best and most straightforward explanation of the Canon Use Cases and how Canon approached and titles its AF -- I get it and I understand why some folk get frustraited when switching to Nikon, which while similar in many regards, is slightly to very different in others. Having watched you vid I can be more helpful to those struggling with their Canon AF, like my sister who shoots an R5 when we go on wildlife shoots (my genre, not hers). She knows what to do in the Studio and elsewhere but fast moving subjects..... not been her skill set.

[@BehindTheShot]

So glad it helped, Andy, and hope it helps your sister. Really appreciate you taking the time to watch. Just as an FYI, I have a show like this on Nikon as well.

[@cherylmoore7432]

This is awesome information. I recently purchased the R5 and have been struggling with the autofocus. Set up my dual backbutton focus and heading out today to test it out. Thanks so much!!!

[@BehindTheShot]

Awesome, let me know how you like it. If you’ve never used back-button AF before, it can take a few outings to get used to it.

[@cherylmoore7432]

@@BehindTheShot I have been using BB focus for several years with my 1dx and couldnt live without it. I did use the advice of Rudy and your settings and it worked much better for me over the weekend. I would like the non tracking bb focus (AF-on button) to return to center frame for the next time and I believe Rudy talked about this I just need to watch again and find it. Thanks so much I love your podcast.

[@BehindTheShot]

It will return to whatever AF point it was set to , but you can force center point by pushing the joystick in.

[@frankanderson5012]

A really good video. Rudy’s explanations are the best I’ve yet heard.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Frank! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jsbmagnoliaplace]

Excellent conversation. Thank you for partnering with Rudy from Canon to demystify the Canon EOS R5 AF menu and its abundant features! I'm now a subscriber to your channel and look forward to other videos you've produced.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you for watching Janice. I so glad you liked the show, and hope you like the “normal” shows too.

[@adjake1]

that last question about birds is the best argument for dual back button af . I have that set to C1 with the different af settings for birds

[@BehindTheShot]

Oh yeah. Great use case. I have C1 set for shows, and C2 for Meet and Greets. People don’t use that enough.

[@slimhim]

THIS gave me oxygen!! I thought I understood before, but now I know how to use one of the most essential functions of my camera! 🧘 🙏

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Mikhail. Glad it helped.

[@craigcarlson4022]

Outstanding deep, thorough explanation of the whole AF section of the cameras. I learned all sorts of new details. Thanks much!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Craig! Glad it helped.

[@shawnstapp7277]

Great podcast and extremely informative. So Rudy started to explain no spot AF for sports or servo AF but then was redirected. So other than face detection, which AF does he recommend for sports photography?

[@BehindTheShot]

As I recall, he liked the expand AF modes for action. And thanks for watching!

[@doralomme]

Thank you! I have watched this several times and am thankful for all your help! I have a question though. I am an amateur mom photographer, but have been shooting with canon cameras for almost 30 years. I just moved to my first mirrorless camera, the R6ii 2 months ago. I shoot wrestling primarily. I am struggling with sharpness (which is a 100 X better than when I shot with my 90D) and I bet it is my AF settings. Besides the usual: Auto or High ISO, f/2.8 and fast shutter speeds, single point, and servo AF, what other settings do you recommend? One of the cases,?Or If full manual or TV- settings for tracking sensitivity and Accel/Deccel tracking? whole area focus on or off? Eye detection? I know I have to have the wrong combinations somehow. Most wrestling matches are fairly slow with the subjects standing or on the ground. But then you can get a burst of movement that is impossible to catch as their face is in the frame one second and then gone the next. Any help would be great. Thank you!

[@BehindTheShot]

Hi Dora, First, thanks for watching. Much appreciated. Congrats on the new R62, great camera. There are so many variables that troubleshooting through KZbin is tough. Given this question, 10 photographers very well might answer 11 different ways. That said, here’s my thoughts, and I will restate some of what you already know: Let’s talk about the exposure first… Wrestling is “fast”, but it’s not slow, and as you mention is unpredictable in its bursts of movement. So, shutter speed will be the main consideration. Decide what speed you feel your can freeze those bursts and set that. I would start at maybe 1/400 min, but if I could get faster great. Obviously the light will matter, and these events are usually not great for light. So, I would shoot wide open at 2.8, but be aware that the depth of field will be thin, so that could also be an issue you are seeing. Still, I would stay wide open. For ISO I would not do Auto ISO. I would lock it at a high enough ISO to allow the shutter you need. Yes, you could do Auto ISO, and set min shutter speeds, but since you are trying to solve a focus issue I would remove the variable and lock the exposure using fully manual, then adjust shutter yourself if needed. Make sure to have the ISO high enough to allow for the slowest shutter you can work with. I might lock in 6400 and leave it. Now on to the AF settings…I would not use eye / face detection for wrestling, but others might. I have shot a lot of fights and the issue is what you mentioned, a face is there - and then gone in an instant. The focus can easily miss once the eye or face moves. Personally I would use an expanded AF point - center with 8 surrounding. I would start with the Case set to Auto on the R62. That will most likely be fine. Otherwise I would try Case 4, Maybe 5, but I would have to check that as I don’t have a camera with me. I wouldn’t change the Case settings. I doubt that is the issue. Lastly, if you are focusing and recomposing I would stop that. Move the AF point where you need it. Also, I would highly suggest Back Button AF. In fact if you end up wanting eye / face sometimes, and an AF point others, I would setup the dual back-button AF I mention at the end of this video. Oh yeah, lens will matter here too. You want a good combo with that R62 that focuses quickly. Hope that helps! ~ Steve

[@trish856]

great session - understanding the reasoning behind the AF menu will help me adjust to what I need for BIF.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Trish!

[@keithhoffman1864]

So glad i came across this video. As a live music player and photographer, I just "upgraded" from a EOS 1-dx to the EOS R6. Still trying to find the best settings, but this helped explain a lot. Great video!!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Keith!

[@andyjgill5750]

Just bought an R7, fantastic insight and incredible knowledge. Thank you both!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, Andy. Glad you enjoyed it, and have fun with the new R7.

[@ggwildlife]

I use expand AF area on wildlife such as a black cormorant, where i normally use single AF it sometimes hunt on the black head when focusing on the eye but when i switch to the former BANG it picks up the contrast from green eye/black head/yellow/white on the bill it locks on solid for me.

[@BehindTheShot]

Interesting. I’ve always used an expanded setup myself, but have wondered at times if I’m really seeing better AF from it. I’ll have to try going back to a single AF one day for fun, and see what happens.

[@RobsonCesco]

A real Canon AF System MASTER CLASS. Excellent job both. Thank you!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Robson!

[@maxq8652]

I just got my Canon R5c Camera and I can´t tell you how great and helpful this video was for me. Thank you guys.

[@BehindTheShot]

So glad that it helped, Max. Thanks for watching.

[@sergekronz]

Great show, I will have watch it several times to understand all of it but such detail is very welcome and you did it, thanks

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, Serge!

[@TheApostateTapir]

I know this video is older now, but thank you so much for doing this! I got an R10 as a budget wildlife camera and I'm having a blast! My only complaint is that it doesn't have the additional AF options in the customize controls option, so I can't set up the dual back button focus to quickly switch to face detect.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching. Oh wow. I had no idea you could not do dual BB AF on that. Kind of an interesting product line differentiation.

[@TheApostateTapir]

@@BehindTheShotThanks for the response! I agree that it's an interesting product delineation.